The Last Light of the Star

12 - What. An. Idiot.

The 13th sector was on patrol through the western end of the Mirkwood forest. It had been over three weeks since their departure—longer than normal patrols—but for valid reasoning. The reports of increasing spider cocoons had become a concern. Thranduil wanted to put a stop to it before it progressed to the vile beings completely invading Mirkwood. Therefore, the elves had been slaughtering spider nest after spider nest. Rarely stopping to rest, given that as soon as one was obliterated, they picked up the trail of another. It was clear that the sickness was beginning to spread closer and closer to the Mirkwood castle. Not a good sign.

It was now when they had stumbled upon their fourth nest. Legolas and Rowan had suspected this was the creatures' origin, considering the vastness of coverage and amount of residing spiders. They were breeding. They were building an army. Belanor had suggested that the sector return to Mirkwood in order to get more reinforcements given that a group this size would not go down easily. However, after a long discussion, it was concluded that traveling three weeks home then three weeks back with more elven warriors would be too time consuming—the spiders could double in that time period. Besides, Legolas wholeheartedly believed that the twenty-three elves could kill all the vile creatures with no causalities.

Currently, the members of the 13th sector were scattered across the forest floor, hiding within the brush. Up above them were the hundreds of layers of massive white cocoons—stretching, spreading, spiraling. Each elven warrior could sense the winding motions and curling malice, for it crept upon their skin. A fierce battle was about to ensue and it would not be pretty.

They all separated into small groups as they got into position to execute the battle plan. Arryin, Razela, Belanor, and Edyrm were crouched behind a large section of rocks. They were to be the starting motion for the attack and the other elves would follow in pursuit once they ignited the signal.

Razela passed Edyrm a large stick that was wrapped in winding kindle. The dark-haired ellon began scraping at a small piece of flint to create a spark that would erupt into a blazing torch....and it was taking forever.

Arryin grit her teeth in annoyance for she was itching with anticipation. Edyrm was proving to be even more useless then he already was considered. If it was up to the Ranger, the ignition would spark in less than a second for her own flames were quick and lethal. However, as that thought crossed her mind she could not help but feel her adrenaline begin to boil, for the star within her yearned to be released with the instinctual nature of battle. Arryin desperately closed her emerald orbs and sucked in a deep breath. Control. She needed to maintain control. As much as she wanted to alleviate the pressure upon her, which was the causing the energy build up to churn, she knew she could not. It was vital that her secret stayed intact and withholding the flames was the only way to do so.

It was then when she was drug from her thoughts for the torch was lit.

Belanor pulled back his arm and threw it swiftly. It moved upon the dry the air with aggressive motion before it hit webbing material. The icky goo instantly caught. The flames quickly began to spread throughout the intricate webbing—lighting cocoon after cocoon. Within seconds, the sound of scrambling and screeching spiders encased the elves ears.

That was their cue.

Arrows flew from perched warriors and each speared-weapon buried into a beasts' body.

Arryin leapt out from her hiding place and instantly pulled her twin blades from the sheath on her back. She twisted the silver in her hands as she whipped her head around to pick her first target. It was not hard to choose given that a black spider was scurrying in her direction at a fast pace.

The dark-chestnut haired elf narrowed her eyes at the creature. As it advanced, she pushed off the ground and jumped high. When gravity pulled her downwards, her feet landed on the rough, hairy back of the spider. Arryin was quick to make motion of her position. She raised her blades above her head and forcefully brought them down. The steel sunk into its brain. With a howling shriek, the creature crippled in its place—legs twitching, mouth spluttering, blood gushing.